Author: EchoAsiaNews

KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) on Saturday announced plans to launch a street movement for Karachi’s rights, accusing the Sindh government of failing to provide the city with its due share of financial resources and development funds. Federal Minister for Health and MQM-P leader Syed Mustafa Kamal said Karachi had been deprived of adequate funding despite being a major contributor to Pakistan’s economy. Addressing a press conference at the party’s Bahadurabad headquarters, Kamal claimed that Karachi contributed more than half of Pakistan’s total revenue and over 95% of Sindh’s income, but received only Rs680 billion out of Rs22 trillion…

RIYADH: The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen said it carried out strikes against Houthi military sites in Yemen’s Hodeidah governorate on Saturday, accusing the group of threatening commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The strikes came after the Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi vessels and warned of further action against the kingdom. The group also said it launched a missile attack targeting Saudi Arabia’s Jizan region. Coalition spokesman Brigadier General Turki al-Maliki said the strikes targeted facilities used by the Houthis to conduct operations against commercial ships. The coalition described the operation as a response to attacks on…

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump criticized the media, mocked his political opponents and reignited speculation over a possible third-term bid during the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) Dinner on Friday, months after the annual event was disrupted by an alleged assassination attempt. Trump addressed journalists and political figures at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington, where the dinner was relocated after security concerns following the April incident. The president began his speech by reflecting on the attack that forced the original event to be postponed. “The show must go on,” Trump said, before turning to issues that have dominated…

Pakistan: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has tightened its promotion and posting framework by making financial integrity a key criterion for career advancement, while expanding internal accountability measures in response to governance concerns highlighted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). How Have FBR’s Promotion Rules Changed? FBR officials said officers’ financial integrity has become a major factor in decisions related to promotions, postings, and performance rewards. According to official data shared with reporters, the proportion of officers placed on a performance monitoring list increased from 2% in 2023 to nearly 40% in 2025, indicating a significant rise in scrutiny…

Pakistan: Security forces have killed 13 militants during the ongoing Operation Al-Azm in Balochistan’s Mastung district, while several others were injured in intelligence-based operations targeting militant hideouts, according to security sources. What Has Operation Al-Azm Achieved So Far? Security sources said the latest operations were carried out in the Khad Kocha area of Mastung, where forces targeted militants identified by Pakistani authorities as belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan. According to the sources, the death toll of militants killed during the ongoing operation has risen to 13. The operation also resulted in the destruction of several militant hideouts, while security forces recovered…

India: The Indian government is set to hold a fresh round of talks with leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Saturday as student-led protests over alleged examination paper leaks continue to intensify, increasing pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. What Are the Protesters Demanding? The talks follow days of demonstrations in New Delhi, where protesters have demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and comprehensive reforms to India’s examination system. CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the movement wanted a clear government response on the minister’s future. “We need clarity on Dharmendra Pradhan’s future,” Ranka said, adding…

India: Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced his resignation on Saturday following weeks of nationwide student-led protests over examination paper leaks, marking a significant development in one of the biggest political challenges facing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Why Did Dharmendra Pradhan Resign? Pradhan said he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing the ongoing unrest and the need to prevent the situation from being exploited. “Considering the situation that has arisen at Jantar Mantar and across the country, so that anti-national forces do not take advantage of this situation … I have sent my resignation letter to…

Pakistan: At least 15 people, including 14 security personnel, were killed in a terrorist attack on a joint security checkpost in Tank district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while security forces killed 12 militants during the ensuing operation, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday. How Did the Attack Unfold? According to the ISPR, the attack occurred during the night of July 23-24, when militants attempted to breach the joint police and security forces checkpost. The military’s media wing said security personnel responded swiftly, preventing the attackers from overrunning the post. Troops pursued the fleeing militants and killed 12 of them during…

Pakistan: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said India’s role in terrorist attacks inside Pakistan was “absolutely clear,” while calling for a united national response to terrorism during the Balochistan National Workshop in Islamabad. What Did the Prime Minister Say? Addressing participants at the workshop, Shehbaz said Pakistan remained committed to combating terrorism and alleged that India was sponsoring militant activities inside the country. The prime minister also said the Afghan Taliban had failed to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks against Pakistan. According to Shehbaz, terrorism had largely been eliminated by 2018 but later returned…

Spain: The Spanish government has declared a national emergency after multiple wildfires spread near Madrid and in the neighboring province of Ávila, forcing the evacuation of more than 10,000 people as firefighters battled to contain the blazes. Why Was a National Emergency Declared? Spain’s Interior Ministry said the emergency declaration was prompted by the simultaneous outbreak of several wildfires, adverse weather conditions, and the need to coordinate extensive resources from multiple public authorities. The regional government of Madrid requested national assistance, describing the situation as one of “extreme gravity.” Authorities warned that active fires in Villa del Prado, San Martín…